Non-Alcoholic Holiday Comfort Cocktails

During the final months of the year, the majority of us attend some kind of gathering involving, family, friends, food, good music and, of course, drinks. The holidays are a great excuse to introduce a new friend to Johnny Walker Black Label as the ladies gossip over a bottle of Pinot Grigio. While passing drinks and offering beverages, you will most likely come across the “designated driver”, the person who gets queasy after just one glass of Chardonnay, or the one who simply does not find pleasure in the taste of alcohol. Whatever the reason may be for declining the bottle, the individual is usually seen later in the evening sporting a can of soda or heavily iced water. Just because you aren’t drinking, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to enjoy a glass of refreshing flavors.

Be kind to your sober guests and keep them in mind on your trip to the market. Juices such as raspberry, apple, orange, pineapple and grapefruit taste great when mixed with spritzer, ginger ale or seltzer water. In the mood for a non-alcoholic margarita? Purchase fresh fruits or berries and sugar to create homemade simple syrup, combine with ice, garnish and serve in a cocktail glass. Homemade flavored simple syrup always tastes better than the bottled version. This holiday season, offer your sober guests more than just a warm can of ginger ale, give them options even the beer drinkers will suddenly crave. Pumpkin smoothie, vanilla almond milkshake, chai tea and apple caramel flavored coffees are only a few combinations of seasonal favorites. By using a few fresh and simple ingredients, you can turn what could have been a boring evening for the designated driver; into a refreshing night they are glad to be a part of.

Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate– http://thelunacafe.com/pumpkin-spice-hot-white-chocolate/

Citrus Mint Punch– http://www.floras-hideout.com/drrecipes/recipes.php?page=drrecipes&data=a-e/Citrus_Mint_Punch

Ginger Mint Julep Mocktail Recipe– http://www.drinkalternatives.com/ginger-mint-julep-mocktail-recipe/

Mozzarella Martini w/ Fresh Tomato Consommé– http://whatscookingamerica.net/Beverage/TomatoMartini.htm

Rose Petal Tea– http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-to-make-rose-tea.html

White Sangria– http://www.tapas-recipes.com/non-alcoholic-sangria.html

Guilt-Free Eggnog– http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2008/12/jeannies-non-alcoholic-eggnog-recipe-easy-nutritious.html

Mulled Apple Cider– http://www.nataliemacmaster.com/recipes/recipe23.htm